Halfway through the regular season the Cartersville Purple Hurricanes are undefeated, 5-0, tied for the top spot in Region 5-AAA with Gordon Central.

After a 63-7 victory over the Coahulla Creek Colts Friday night, Cartersville clearly has a good game plan going.

“We have a great group of seniors this year that are leaders both on and off the field,” said head football coach Frank Barden, who is in his 17th year with the team.

Cartersville’s quarterback, junior Brooks Barden, had completed 49 of 89 passes for 950 yards and 12 touchdowns with no interceptions going into the Coahulla Creek game.

In addition, there are three seniors for the Canes that have been, as Barden said, “very important since summer drills began.” These important players are defensive backs and wide receivers, Josh Cooper and Hayes Linn and linebacker, Brandon Wells.

Cooper currently leads the team in tackles and interceptions. He also has collected many of the receiving yards this season, along with Linn.

Another key senior is the 'Canes’ kicker, Preston Slemp, who has taken care of all of the team’s field goals this season.

While Barden said these seniors are great leaders for the team, there are many other players who have contributed to the Canes’ success thus far.

Juniors TL Ford, Mark Quattlebaum and Kobie Whitfield also have put up some of the receiving yards for the team, Barden said.

The rushing yards have been delegated between sophomore Kalin Heath, junior Brandon Long and freshman Taimon Pennymon, Barden said.

With only two region games behind them, North Murray and Coahulla Creek, the 'Canes have to stay strong throughout the rest of the season to maintain their top spot.

While there is still half the season left, Barden refuses to look any further than the Friday just ahead. He said the team that will give them the hardest time will be the one they face this week.

“It is the next game and the only one we are preparing for,” Barden said.

Cartersville will host the Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe Warriors this Friday in a region matchup.

After losing to Gordon Central on Friday, Lakeview is now 4-1 in the region.

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